Bachelor of Arts (Arts and Design)
The Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Design is a four-year studio-based degree that develops creative and technical skills across fine art, graphic design, interior design, fashion and textiles, photography, and digital media.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 243,950 a year at a public institution, Ksh 975,800 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 225,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 42 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students study drawing, painting, sculpture, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, photography, digital media, printmaking, fashion and textiles design, advertising design, interior architecture, and design history. The curriculum combines studio courses with theory modules, portfolio development, and exhibition practice.
Kenya's creative industry has expanded significantly, with demand for graphic designers, interior designers, fashion designers, photographers, and digital media artists in advertising agencies, design firms, media houses, fashion houses, and corporate communications departments.
The programme is delivered over eight semesters at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. Both institutions have established art and design departments with studio facilities, practising artists as faculty, and exhibition programmes.
Graduates work as graphic designers, interior designers, fashion designers, photographers, illustrators, art teachers, museum educators, and creative entrepreneurs. Many establish freelance practices or design studios.
This programme suits students with creative aptitude, visual sensitivity, and interest in practical studio work. A portfolio of artwork may be required for admission. The ability to think creatively, work independently on studio projects, and develop technical proficiency across media is essential for professional success.
What you study
10 subjects- Drawing and Painting
- Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Design
- Photography and Digital Media
- Graphic Design and Advertising
- Fashion and Textiles Design
- Interior Architecture
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- History of Art and Design
- Design Theory and Criticism
Modules
12 in the programmeDrawing and Painting Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Foundation course in observational drawing, perspective, colour theory, painting techniques, and the use of various drawing and painting media.
Two-Dimensional Design
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Principles of 2D design including composition, balance, contrast, rhythm, pattern, and the organisation of visual elements on a flat surface.
Three-Dimensional Design
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Principles of 3D design including form, volume, space, structure, and the use of materials such as clay, wood, metal, and plaster.
History of Art and Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Survey of art and design history from ancient to contemporary periods, with emphasis on African art traditions and modern design movements.
Photography and Digital Media
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Photographic techniques, digital imaging, image editing, and the use of digital cameras and software for creative visual production.
Graphic Design and Typography
Year 2Semester 14 creditsCore
Principles of graphic design, typography, layout, logo design, and visual communication for print and digital media.
Fashion and Textiles Design
Year 2Semester 24 creditsElective
Fashion design principles, textile design, fabric printing, garment construction, and the fashion industry from concept to production.
Interior Architecture
Year 3Semester 14 creditsElective
Interior spatial design, material finishes, lighting design, furniture, and the functional and aesthetic aspects of interior environments.
Sculpture and Printmaking
Year 3Semester 14 creditsElective
Sculptural techniques using various materials and printmaking processes including relief, intaglio, and screen printing.
Advertising Design and Media
Year 3Semester 23 creditsElective
Advertising design principles, campaign development, brand communication, and the role of design in marketing and media.
Design Theory and Criticism
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Critical theory in art and design, design research methods, and the evaluation of design work through theoretical and contextual frameworks.
Final Year Studio Project and Exhibition
Year 4Semester 18 creditsCore
Comprehensive final-year studio project demonstrating mastery of chosen specialisation, culminating in a public exhibition and portfolio presentation.
Specialisations
Graphic Design and Advertising
Focus on visual communication, branding, advertising design, typography, layout, and digital media for print and screen-based applications.
Interior Design
Focus on interior spatial design, material finishes, lighting, furniture design, and the functional and aesthetic aspects of interior environments.
Fashion and Textiles Design
Focus on fashion design, textile design, garment construction, fabric printing, and the fashion industry from concept to production.
Fine Art and Painting
Focus on drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking as fine art practices, developing personal artistic expression and exhibition skills.
Photography and Digital Media
Focus on photographic techniques, digital imaging, visual storytelling, and the use of digital tools for creative media production.
Art Education
Focus on art teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and pedagogical approaches for art education in schools and community settings.
A day as a student
A typical day centres on the studio where students work on practical art and design projects under tutor guidance. Morning sessions cover design theory, art history, or technique demonstrations. Afternoons involve hands-on studio work in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or digital design. Students frequently spend evenings in the studio refining projects, preparing portfolios, and setting up exhibitions.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Studio-based curriculum develops practical creative skills and a professional portfolio essential for employment in the creative industry. | Creative industry careers often require building a portfolio and client base, which takes time and persistence. |
| Kenya's growing creative economy offers diverse opportunities in graphic design, interior design, fashion, photography, and digital media. | Entry-level salaries are modest (KES 30,000–50,000/month), with significant income variation depending on employer and specialisation. |
| Programme offered at established art departments with practising artists as faculty and exhibition programmes. | Studio courses require additional spending on art materials and equipment beyond tuition fees. |
| Graduates can pursue freelance practice, entrepreneurship, or employment in agencies, media houses, and corporate communications. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
UoN BA Design 243,950/yr; KU BA 153,000/yr; Daystar ~225,800/yr. Src: educationnewshub, daystar.ac.ke
Students can access HELB loans, county government bursaries, and university-specific scholarships and bursaries.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
University Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Students from the respective county, applied through county education offices.
University Internal Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Scholarships you could apply for
10 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Egerton University TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullEgerton University / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ without Art and Design, but a portfolio of artworks must be presented before a department selection panel. KCSE C plain with a Diploma in Art and Design from a recognised institution. KACE with two principal passes, one in Art. A degree from a recognised university in a relevant field.
When it next starts
Taught at 42 institutionsIncluding Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University, Daystar University.
Including Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University, Daystar University.
Including Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University, Daystar University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsStudio Projects and Portfolios
Coursework50% of the mark
Practical studio work assessed through project submissions, portfolio reviews, and critique sessions with tutors and visiting artists.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework15% of the mark
Written tests covering art and design history, theory, and technical knowledge of materials and processes.
Coursework Assignments
Coursework15% of the mark
Research papers, design briefs, and practical assignments assessed throughout each semester.
Final Exhibition and Examination
Examination20% of the mark
Final-year public exhibition of studio work and written examinations assessed by internal and external examiners.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University, both CUE-accredited public universities with established art and design departments.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesGraphic Designer
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000
Creates visual designs for branding, advertising, digital media, and print materials at advertising agencies, design firms, and corporate communications departments.
Interior Designer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Designs interior spaces for residential, commercial, and institutional clients, selecting materials, furniture, lighting, and spatial layouts.
Fashion Designer
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 65,000
Designs clothing and accessories for fashion houses, textile companies, or as independent entrepreneurs, from concept to production.
Photographer
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 60,000
Works as a commercial, editorial, or freelance photographer covering events, products, fashion, and corporate assignments.
Art Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 55,000
Teaches art and design at secondary schools or community art programmes after completing a PGDE and registering with the TSC.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as graphic designers, interior designers, fashion designers, photographers, illustrators, and art teachers, with many establishing freelance practices or design studios.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
- Montessori EducatorEducation15Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Adobe Photoshop
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard image editing and manipulation software for photo retouching, digital painting, and graphic design.
Adobe Illustrator
SoftwarePrimary
Vector graphics editor for logo design, illustration, typography, and scalable graphic creation.
Adobe InDesign
SoftwarePrimary
Desktop publishing software for layout design of magazines, brochures, books, and multi-page print and digital publications.
CorelDRAW
Software
Vector illustration and page layout software widely used in Kenyan design studios for print and digital design.
Autodesk AutoCAD
Software
CAD software used for interior design drawing, technical drafting, and spatial planning.
Wacom Intuos
Hardware
Graphics tablet for digital drawing, painting, and illustration, enabling natural pen input for creative work.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Art and Design degrees lead to unemployment.
Kenya's creative economy is growing, with demand for graphic designers, interior designers, fashion designers, and digital media artists in agencies, media houses, and corporate communications.
You need to be naturally talented to study art and design.
While natural aptitude helps, the programme teaches technical skills, design principles, and creative methodologies. Dedication and practice are more important than raw talent.
Art and design is only about making things look pretty.
Design involves problem-solving, user research, communication strategy, and functional considerations. Art and design professionals address real-world challenges through creative thinking.
You cannot make a good living as an artist in Kenya.
Successful designers, illustrators, and creative entrepreneurs in Kenya earn competitive incomes. Freelance designers and studio owners can earn significantly above average salaries.
Digital tools have replaced traditional art skills.
Digital tools are an extension of traditional skills. Strong foundations in drawing, composition, and colour theory remain essential for digital design work.